11th June 2025 in The Iona Blog

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has raised the alarm about falling fertility rates worldwide, highlighting the many barriers faced by people who want to have children. In a new report, The Real Fertility Crisis, UNFPA argues that declining birth...

Dr Angelo Bottone on 4th June 2025 in The Iona Blog

A new “soft opt-out” organ donation law will take effect from June 17th. Under this legislation, the State will be allowed to remove your organs upon death without your explicit consent, unless you registered a request to opt out. When the...

Dr Angelo Bottone on 28th May 2025 in The Iona Blog

The harmful effects of divorce on children is something we are extremely reluctant to discuss probably because it is too close to the bone for many people, especially the adults involved. But if it affects children, then we should discuss...

Dr Angelo Bottone on 23rd May 2025 in The Iona Blog

A major new poll commissioned by The Iona Institute reveals public attitudes towards the Catholic Church, Christianity and religion. This is one of the most wide-ranging polls published to date on the matter. It was carried out by Amarach Research. Here are...

Dr Angelo Bottone on 14th May 2025 in The Iona Blog

In a previous blog, I analysed the latest marriage data from the CSO. What stands out is the fact that (not counting the Covid years), our marriage rate last year dropped to just 3.8 per thousand adults, the lowest level...

Dr Angelo Bottone on 5th May 2025 in The Iona Blog

A new Pew Research Center study offers compelling insights into religious switching worldwide. ‘Religious switching’ includes ceasing to be religious or changing religion. Christianity, particularly in Western and high-income nations, is undergoing significant transformation. The study, spanning 36 countries (excluding...